Essays on Theories of Value in the Classical Tradition

“This volume revisits the foundations of classical political economy and outlines on that basis a new research paradigm. Ajit Sinha presents an extremely ambitious and challenging work that opens new and invaluable vistas on classical economic theory and economics at large.”Roberto Scazzieri, Professor of Economic Analysis, University of Bologna and National Lincei Academy, Italy. “For a quarter of a century Ajit Sinha has worked on the classical theory of value, reinterpreting Adam Smith, David Ricardo and Karl Marx in terms of his own original, and often contested, interpretation of Piero Sraffa. This fascinating volume brings together several of Sinha's most perceptive and most contentious papers. Always scholarly, stimulating and provocative, it is essential reading for anyone with an interest in classical value theory.”John King, Emeritus Professor, La Trobe University, Australia. This collection of essays invites the reader to trace the intellectual journey of the author from his early incisive exploration and critique of key categories in Marxian economics, through his insights into classical economic theory, culminating in his pioneering and definitive reading of the economics of Sraffa. Where the author’s position has significantly changed he provides notations and explanations, and the addition of two new chapters written especially for this volume complete the scholarly journey. Following three decades worth of study, this book brings together a set of important contributions that not only give historical perspective but makes them convenient and accessible for students and researchers today.